Turning Loss into Support: Pharmacy’s Fundraising Effort
When local teenager Scott Martin passed away at only 16-years-old following challenges with his mental health, Callendar Pharmacy was there to help.
THE HEART OF PHARMACY
Remembering Gill A Real Pharmacy Legend
The close knit community of Broadford in the Isle of Skye has suffered the devastating loss of Gill McCallum who had worked in the local pharmacy since moving to the island 16 years ago.
Gill was a true pharmacy legend and will be greatly missed by colleagues, patients and the wider community alike. She ran the pharmacy counter four days a week at the Right Medicine Pharmacy branch and, aged 65, she had no plans to retire. She died suddenly on her way to work, surrounded by the pharmacy team who loved her.
Scott’s mum Sam felt more could be done to support young people with their mental health and set up the Scott Martin Foundation to honour her son and help others in the same situation. She works tirelessly to raise money to fund private counselling for local teenagers and she has been supported in this endeavour by Callendar Pharmacy’s Thornhill Road branch.
To date the branch has raised £1500 for the charity through a number of initiatives including a big raffle for the past two Christmases. The staff in branch are so committed to the cause that they donate and pay for all the prizes themselves. Their recent fundraiser is a second hand book sale in branch with books donated by friends, family and staff.
“The team all feel this is a really important charity and supporting local young people is so worthwhile and hopefully prevents other families from facing tragedy. We also personally know someone currently being helped by the Foundation, and can definitely say that this help is saving a life,” said Tracey Eddie, who works at the branch.
“She is not someone we are able to replace. Gill would make you smile no matter what you said. She really loved helping people. If she couldn’t get the answer she would ask the pharmacist or surgery. She knew everyone and had built a brilliant relationship with the community. A light has definitely gone out in Broadford,” said Nadine Mackay, Right Medicine Pharmacy Regional Support Manager, North.
“She was the longest serving member of staff at the branch and was a consistent face at the counter. She was straight talking and you always knew where you stood with Gill. She had a big bold personality, was really funny and always willing to help. Gill always looked after the staff and was the first one in every morning with the tea and toast on for everyone.
Gill’s branch colleagues also had this to say about her: “Gill was that smile, that energy, that joy that greeted you every morning when you walked into the pharmacy. She was always the first one to start work, and every time you came in, she was already there, behind the counter, full of energy and already hardworking.”
“After what has happened and being there to say a final goodbye, and seeing how many people knew and loved her; after witnessing the profound silence and emptiness her absence has left in our community and workplace, I realise just how important a presence she was in our lives.”
“She will never be replaced, and her absence will be felt. Even though she is no longer here, the memories we shared remain and will forever be etched in our hearts. Personally, I will remember her as an excellent teammate, a valued member of the community, a caring, loving and supportive person who was always there for the Broadford Pharmacy team.”
“Gill filled people with warmth and happiness and genuinely cared for others.”
“Gill was loved by customers and her fellow colleagues. She was the first person you met when coming into work. She would always have a cup of tea waiting for us, and then tea and toast at 10am.
She was very good at her job and was also a mind full of information regarding many things outside of work which she was always willing to help with. Gill is missed so much and will always be.”
“Gill was such a character, always laughing and full of advice for anyone, from hair dye to helping people through difficult times in their lives. We’ve been inundated with lovely messages from the community Gill served for 16 years. Her passing is a huge loss to our team and the wider area.”
Gill loved living the western isles life and, when not at work, she was always out with her partner and her beloved Collie dog on their boat. She also leaves behind two sons.
Staff at the branch are now hoping to create a lasting memory of Gill in the branch by turning her counter purple - her favourite colour. They are also looking to install a defibrillator outside of the branch.
“She is not someone we are able to replace. Gill would make you smile no matter what you said..."
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